When searching for the Daihatsu Taft, you may come across comments such as “It’s not a light car.” However, the Taft is a genuine light car. So why does this misunderstanding arise? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons.
Is it true that the Daihatsu Taft isn’t a light car?
Daihatsu Taft. Although it is categorized as a light car, why do people say that it is not a light car? In this article, we will take a closer look at why the Taft has a presence that goes beyond the boundaries of a light car.
A thorough explanation of the reviews and ratings of the new Taft
As of August 2024, when searching for the new Taft, it appears that many people are searching for “Taft is not light.”
The new Taft has received mixed reviews on social media, automotive media, review sites, and elsewhere. Positive reviews include its stylish design, spacious interior, and excellent fuel efficiency. On the other hand, negative reviews point out its uncomfortable ride and high price.
A bold style that is unusual for a compact car
Daihatsu Taft
The exterior of the Taft features a square shape and large overhanging fenders, giving it a powerful presence that is hard to believe it is a compact car. In particular, the large grille on the front face has a strong presence and even exudes the dignity of an SUV.
Open and airy interior space
The interior of the Taft is so spacious that it overturns the concept of a minicar. In particular, the “Sky Feel Top” that spreads over the front seats provides an overwhelming sense of openness, making you feel as if you are riding in an open-top car. The rear seats are also spacious enough that even adults can relax comfortably.
Fully equipped and high performance
Although the TAFT is a light vehicle, it is equipped with a full range of features and high driving performance. The advanced safety feature “Smart Assist” is equipped with a variety of functions that support the driver’s safe driving, such as collision avoidance assist braking and lane departure prevention control. In addition, the turbo engine model achieves powerful acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency, providing a comfortable ride even on long drives.
Reason 1: Taft’s powerful design
The Taft features a powerful SUV-like design, with an angular body and large tires. This imposing appearance is different from the image of a light car, which may give the impression that it is not light.
Reason 2: Extensive safety equipment
Although the Taft is a light vehicle, it is equipped with a full range of safety features, including collision mitigation braking and lane departure prevention control. Since such features are often installed on regular cars, some people may feel that the Taft is “not light.”
Reason 3: The existence of “Taft” in the past
In fact, the name Taft has existed as a Daihatsu model in the past. However, the past Tafts were larger than the current minicar standards. Therefore, due to the image of the past Taft, the current Taft may be mistaken as “not a minicar.”
About Taft
Daihatsu released the new light crossover “TAFT” on June 10, 2020. It is the third ” DNGA ” model following the new ” Tanto ” and ” Rocky .” The new platform, “DNGA-A platform,” is designed with suspension arrangement as the top priority, and aims to reduce the weight of the entire body structure by improving bending rigidity, utilizing high-tensile materials, and streamlining the structure .
The TAFT is based on the new concept of a “backpack style” that is “fun for leisure and can be used in everyday life!” and has an exterior design that expresses a playful, angular “toughness and strength.”
The interior is playful, but also functional, with a layout and ample storage space. A ” flexible board ” is used, allowing the luggage height to be adjusted in two stages. The rear seat backs can be folded down to create a flat, spacious space, and the seat backs are made of stain-resistant plastic , making them less susceptible to dirt. You won’t have to worry about dirty luggage.
The large glass roof “Sky Feel Top” installed above the front seats is standard equipment on all vehicles. The Taft will be equipped with a “sunroof”, which is not currently available in light vehicles.
It is equipped with a 9-inch smartphone-linked display audio system . It is possible to operate apps compatible with SmartDeviceLink and Apple CarPlay on the display. It also features Daihatsu Connect , a service that connects car navigation systems to smartphones. It is equipped with Daihatsu’s first electric parking brake and hold system.
This is the third model of the ” DNGA ” series, following the new ” Tanto ” and ” Rocky “. The new platform, the ” DNGA-A platform “, is designed with the highest priority on suspension arrangement, and aims to reduce the overall weight of the body structure by improving bending rigidity, utilizing high-tensile materials, and streamlining the structure. It uses “multi-spark (multiple ignition)” . The transmission is equipped with the newly developed ” DCVT (Dual mode CVT) ” that uses the world’s first “power split technology” , as well as the advanced technology ” Next-generation Smart Assist “.
About the new Daihatsu Taft
In this partial improvement, three new body colors have been added: a new “Ceramic Green Metallic,” and the powerful “Chrome Gray Metallic” and “Laser Blue Crystal Shine.” In addition to improving convenience with the addition of a 9-inch smartphone display audio that supports voice recognition and wireless connection, the engine control has been optimized to improve fuel efficiency, and all models have achieved the “2020 fuel efficiency standard” and “75% of the 2030 fuel efficiency standard,” expanding the scope of eligibility for environmental performance levies and eco-car tax breaks.
Daihatsu new Taft special edition “Dark Chrome Venture”
The new special edition vehicle, the “Dark Chrome Venture,” is an addition to the special edition vehicle, the “Chrome Venture,” which was released in May 2021.The new “Dark Chrome Venture” features dark black plating, gunmetal paint, and black mica metallic decoration to give it a tougher look .
Laser Blue Crystal Shine
Chrome Gray Metallic
Ceramic Green Metallic
Daihatsu New Taft Special Edition “Dark Chrome Venture” Specifications
| Specifications | New Taft NA |
New Taft Turbo |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm | 3,395mm |
| Overall width | 1,475mm | 1,475mm |
| Height | 1,630mm | 1,630mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,460mm | 2,460mm |
| Minimum ground clearance | 190mm | 190mm |
| engine | 658cc inline 3 DOHC engine |
658cc inline 3 DOHC turbo engine |
| Maximum power | 38kW (52hp) / 6,900rpm |
47kW (64hp) / 6,400rpm |
| Maximum torque | 60Nm (6.1kgm) / 3,600rpm |
100Nm (10.2kgm) / 3,600rpm |
| transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drive system | 2WD(FF)/4WD | 2WD(FF)/4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 20.5km/L (2WD) 19.7km/L (4WD) |
20.2km/L (2WD) 19.6km/L (4WD) |
New Taft partial improvement price grade information
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | 658cc inline 3 DOHC engine |
CVT | 2WD | 1,353,000 yen |
| 4WD | 1,479,500 yen | |||
| G | 2WD | 1,485,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,611,500 yen | |||
| G “Chrome Venture” |
2WD | 1,551,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,677,500 yen | |||
| G “Dark Chrome Venture” |
2WD | 1,556,500 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,683,000 yen | |||
| X-Turbo | 658cc inline 3 DOHC turbo engine |
2WD | 1,441,000 yen | |
| 4WD | 1,567,500 yen | |||
| G Turbo | 2WD | 1,606,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,732,500 yen | |||
| G Turbo “Chrome Venture” |
2WD | 1,672,000 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,798,500 yen | |||
| G Turbo “Dark Chrome Venture” |
2WD | 1,677,500 yen | ||
| 4WD | 1,804,000 yen |
A word from the editorial department
The TAFT has a strong design, comprehensive safety features, and other appealing features that go beyond the image of a minicar. However, its true essence lies in its ease of use and economy, which are unique to minicars.
The fact that it’s not light is a testament to the appeal of the Taft. Please try riding in a Taft and experience its appeal for yourself.
The Daihatsu Taft is a truly “not-light” minicar, combining a design that goes beyond the boundaries of a minicar, a spacious interior, comprehensive equipment and high driving performance. The Taft, which proposes new values without being bound by the concept of a minicar, is sure to continue to attract many users in the future.
I hope that reading this article will help you rediscover the appeal of Tuft and serve as a reference when considering purchasing one.
Taft